- The Ratings Game: The Canadiens’ Game 7 win over the Penguins drew 1.3 million viewers on Versus Wednesday night, up 15% from Penguins/Capitals Game 7 last year (1.1 mil). The Versus telecast was blacked out in Pittsburgh, where the game drew 760,000 viewers on FSN. Through Wednesday, Versus is averaging 1.1 million viewers for second round Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, up 32% from last year (793,000). (NHL)
- Big Name: Former NBC and ESPN/ABC sideline reporter Jim Gray has been hired in the same capacity by the Sacramento Kings. Gray will work the sidelines for 20 Kings games during the 2010-11 season, replacing the team’s previous sideline reporter Kayte Christensen. (Sactown Royalty)
- Idle Note: Comcast and ESPN have reached an agreement for the cable provider to distribute ESPN 3D when the network launches this summer. Comcast, the first cable provider that has agreed to distribute the network, will also provide some ESPN 3D programming on demand. (ESPN)
WSJ: Rupert Murdoch spoke to White House about NFL streaming deals
Fox Corporation's campaign against the NFL's streaming deals reportedly reached the highest levels of the company and the government.
